Progressive Care Unit RN

Progressive Care Unit/Step Down Nurse

The Progressive Care nurse will provide care to the hemodynamically stable or predictably unstable patients on medical/surgical unit. This includes providing physical, emotional, spiritual and cultural support to the patient. Anticipated patient populations include but are not limited to pediatrics, pre and post PCI care, pacemaker, revascularization, carotid endarterectomy, thoracotomy, CHF, COPD, DKA, renal failure, DVT, PE, sepsis and a broad scope of surgical services. Staff will expect patients in relative stability while recognizing diagnoses may require skilled assessment and intervention tools for potential deteriorating conditions. Required to operate advanced medical equipment and care for patients with central lines, chest tubes, nasogastric tubes, continuous bladder irrigation, arterial lines, multiple IV's and patients requiring short term Ventilation Support. Provides care for general medical and surgical patients on the in-patient unit. Collaborate with other professional disciplines to ensure effective patient care delivery and achievement of desired patient outcomes. Nurses effectively interact with patients and significant others, while maintaining the standard of professional nursing. Has ability to assess and implement established policies and procedures with minimal supervision. Acts as a clinical leader and assists with precepting staff. Provides direct care for patients in the Hospital from admission to discharge in all aspects of care including discharge planning. Gives directions to RN, LPN, CNA, Housekeeping Staff, and Dietary Staff. Receives directions from: Providers, Charge Nurse, Chief Nursing Officer. The Progressive Care Nurse will also complement the Medical Surgical Nursing Unit when staffing actions are required.

License/Certifications

• Current State of Montana RN Licensure, BLS, ACLS, PALS certification required.
• EPNC, TNCC certification preferred.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Use of basic office equipment, use of multiple IV pumps, ability to operate advanced medical equipment, including A-lines, invasive lines, chest tubes, patients requiring noninvasive and invasive ventilatory support, basic cardiac telemetry and EKG interpretation.
• Advanced Nursing Principles and Procedures, Pediatric experience preferred.
• Experience in post heart catheterization preferred.

Medication Management

• Ability to manage the common IV medications to include but not limited to:
• Heparin
• Diltiazem
• Dobutamine
• Milrinone
• Amiodarone
• Dopamine